Particularly with the impact of COVID-19 more and more schools are understanding that many students have and are facing the realities of trauma in their lives. In a recent article of the Hechinger Report written by Ava Cotlowitz there is the acknowledgement that more and more teachers are struggling with trauma. This reality requires that teachers teach differently than they used to. Here are some quotes from the article.
The topic of trauma — specifically, trauma-informed teaching — has become a focus in education. Almost 50 percent of students in the U.S. have experienced some form of trauma, so it’s critical that educators be equipped to support every student….
Some schools across the nation are now embracing trauma-informed approaches to teaching, which recognize that students’ actions are a direct result of their experiences. The pandemic makes this an even more critical time to prioritize trauma-informed instruction.
Different approaches and programs may focus on valuing relationships; promoting safety and trustworthiness along with choice; collaboration; and encouraging skill building and competence.
A core element is connecting through safe, consistent and trustworthy relationships. In order to build these relationships, we must be genuinely interested and invested in who students are as people, not just their academic capabilities.
I am encouraged that more and more teachers are understanding the impact of trauma in the lives of their students. I believe that the emotional health of students is tied to how teachers will be able to help regulate their emotional states, particularly as we attempt to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lakeside has been providing teachers and schools with tools to help students work through these issues with our Neurologic Initiative. For more information about Lakeside’s trauma training, visit www.lakesidelink.com to learn how to access our trauma training programs. We need to support our schools with approaches that will help students who have a trauma history and other related difficulties.
Gerry Vassar
President/CEO
